A CAMP FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND FRIENDSHIP

This was the time when Artek grew big and beautiful. It was the pride of the multiethnic country.

The second camp, Verkhny, opened in the 1930s. Now Artek operated year round.

In the summer of 1934, Artek welcomed 200 of the best Young Pioneers who had received government awards for their heroic deeds, including life-saving, preventing train accidents, helping adults, setting cotton-picking records, and other feats. 

The main Soviet children’s camp was quick to respond to major world events. In 1937, the new Camp Suuk-Su (now Lazurny) welcomed children from Spain where a civil war was raging.